Thomas Fredrick Fanis

Thomas Fredrick Fanis

(July 2, 1941 – November 5, 2025)

Thomas "Tom" (also known as "Johnny") Fredrick Fanis was born on July 2, 1941, in Dante, Virginia, to Nick and Gladys (Puckett) Fanis. He passed away peacefully on November 5, 2025, in Belvidere, Illinois.

Tom grew up in Lebanon, Virginia, surrounded by his many siblings. In 1959, he proudly enlisted in the United States Air Force, serving with the 2nd Bomb Wing in support of B-47 bomber operations. After his honorable discharge, Tom returned to Virginia before following his brother, Budge, to Rockford, Illinois, where job opportunities were abundant.

Over the years, Tom worked at several Rockford-area factories before pursuing his dream of travel by establishing his own trucking business. He worked side by side with his sons and continued driving until his retirement.

Tom will be remembered for his down-to-earth nature, strong independence, and unwavering love for his family. He was a simple man who valued hard work and found joy in life's everyday moments—tinkering with engines, fishing, taking long drives, and spending time with his brothers and sisters.

He is survived by his loving wife, Carol (Dudei) Fanis; daughters Nancy Hinkle and Sheila (Eddie) Morton of Bristol, TN; Christine Monson of Rockford, IL; Tracy (Maggie) Salzberg of Rehoboth, MA; and Nicole Fanis of Roscoe, IL; son Thomas (Melissa) Fanis of Rockford, IL; step-children Michael Taft, Lori Parks, Daniel Radke, and Dayle Radke; and many cherished grandchildren — Thomas (Cassandra) and Brandon (Amanda) Hinkle; Justin (Caitlyn), Nicholas, and Aaron (Jessica) Morton; Jody (James) Whorton; Brittany and Bradley Monson; Chase and Kayden Taylor; Evangeline Salzberg; Jacob Fanis; as well as numerous great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his brother Richard ("Whitey") Fanis of Abingdon, VA; sister Dorothy Sykes of Bristol, VA; and several nieces and nephews.

Tom was preceded in death by his parents; wives Eufola Dingus and Sandra Seehaver; daughter Kathy Hulton; stepdaughter Tammy Jackson; son-in-laws Roy Parks and Wayne Hinkle; brothers George ("Budge"), Jim, Bill, and Bobby; and sisters Marie Jeffers, Betty Miller, Helen ("Tootsie") Holmes, and Wilma Mutter.

The family wishes to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the staff of Symphony Northwoods Care Centre and OSF Hospice for their compassionate care and support.

Cremation rites have been accorded. Inurnment will take place at Greenwood Cemetery at a later date.

www.rockfordfunerals.com